DHAKA: Polling has begun across Bangladesh in a landmark general election widely seen as the country’s most consequential vote in more than a decade, coming after a deadly 2024 uprising that ended the 15-year rule of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Muhammad Yunus casts vote
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus cast his vote at a polling station in Gulshan locality of capital Dhaka at around 10:25am local time. The security was on high alert around the area..
09:15: Chittagong votes
BNP candidate for Lakshmipur-3, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, expressed satisfaction with the morning’s voting environment after casting his ballot.
“The long-awaited hopes of the people are finally being realized. Citizens have struggled for this election for a long time. So far, the atmosphere has been very positive. If it continues like this and voters can participate in a festive spirit, I am confident of my victory,” he told reporters at the Lamchari Government Primary School polling center.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr Rezaul Karim Choupalli voted at the Kalidas High School polling station, describing the voting environment as “good” and expressing optimism about his own chances.
9:00: Have come to vote after 19 years: voter
While speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, Voter Riazul Hasan said that the environment was really nice for voting, stating that every person could vote for the entire day, however they should not rush.
“It is not difficult,” Hasan said.
“I have come here to vote after 19 years, have not given a vote as of yet, this will be the first time,” he said, adding that he had tried to vote in 2008 but Sheikh Hasina’s people kicked him out from the station.
“I am very happy. I am very happy to give vote from here today. All the people are happy,” he said.
8:36: ‘Now is the time for something positive’
A student at Dhaka City College, who lined up early to vote to avoid the crowds during the poll, told AFP that it was his first vote, hoping for something positive.
“This was my first vote and I hope after everything we went through the last few years, now is the time for something positive,” 21-year-old Shithi Goswami said.
50-year-old Nur Alam Shamim — who was first vote at the New Model Degree College in Dhaka-10 constituency — said he last voted in 1991 and was casting his vote for the country after a “many years.”
8:31: Pakistan sends election day greetings
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari extended his best wishes to the people of Bangladesh as voting got underway, expressing hope for a peaceful process that strengthens democracy and stability.
“I extend my best wishes to the people of Bangladesh as they exercise their democratic right,” Zardari said.
“I hope the election will be conducted peacefully and contribute to democratic stability.”
7:30: Bangladesh votes amid tight security
Voting opened at 7:30 local time on Thursday in 299 of the country’s 300 constituencies, with one seat postponed following the death of a candidate. Polls will remain open until 16:30, with hand counting to begin shortly after closing.